Festival planning to get final push

One month out, things are beginning to fall in place for the De Soto Days Festival.

"We're making progress, but we'll make good use of August," said Max Atwell, who is serving as chairman of the De Soto Days Festival Committee after a one-year hiatus.

Atwell said he got word Monday from the Evans Empire Games that the carnival would offer wristband night from 6 to 10 p.m. all three days of the festival, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 and 2. In the past, the discount ride offer was limited to the Thursday's opening night.

"For $15, you can have all the rides you want," Atwell said. "That seems like a pretty good deal since some of the rides are $3 each. It doesn't take too many to add up to $15."

Last year's chairwoman, Kathy Ross, said the kid's parade started last year will return, but with some tweaking. This year, kids will ride two blocks from Abbott Hall to the Great American Bank parking lot and return.

"They went so fast last year if you blinked, you missed them," Ross said. "So we thought we'd have them return."

Kids participating would get a certificate from Pizza Hut for a personal pan pizza, Ross said.

Application forms for the parade can be found at the city of De Soto's Web site, www.desotoks.us.

A number of entertainers have been lined up, including blues from the Lonnie Ray Band.

"He was supposed to play the year (2003) it rained eight inches and washed everything out," Ross said.

Also lined up is the group from Kaw Prairie Church, who will return to play Sept. 2 in the parade and in Miller Park, Atwell said. Organizers are still lining up music, he said.

Ross, who is chairwoman of food booths, said there was already a good number signed up, serving everything from buffalo burgers to donuts.

Committee members would welcome anyone wanting to help with the event, Atwell said. Those interested can call him at 585-1147.